LDF demands judicial inquiry into Minister's land deal

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 30 (UNI) The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) today demanded a judicial inquiry into the alleged involvement of Kerala Public Works Minister T U Kuruvila in 'murky land' deals.

''The LDF meeting today decided to demand the government to order a judicial inquiry into the alleged involvement of Mr Kuruvila in the land deals by a High Court sitting judge ,'' LDF Convener Vaikom Vishwam told reporters here.

The meeting opined that a detailed inquiry was needed in the issue and all facts would have to be addressed, he said, and added the inquiry should be completed in three months.

When asked whether LDF would seek for the Minister's resignation ahead of the inquiry, Mr Vishwam said the Kerala Congress (Joseph) to which Mr Kuruvila belonged, would decide on it.

Regarding the report of the Idukki District Collector and the Chief Secretary on the land deals, he said Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan briefed the meeting on it.

If a sitting judge was not available, then a retired High court judge could be entrusted with the inquiry, he said.

When pointed out that Mr Achuthanandan had earlier said no corrupt minister would be in his cabinet, Mr Vishwam said no one was found to be corrupt. Certain allegations had come up and a detailed inquiry should be conducted, he added.

The trouble erupted for Mr Kuruvila after a NRI businessman alleged that the Minister's family members failed to execute a deal for the sale of 50.52 acres of land in Munnar.

He was allegedly offered the land for the construction of resorts in the emerging tourist destination. Revenue authorities had also found that the land transaction by Mr Kuruvila's family members at Rajakumari Village was done dubiously after tampering with records and violating revenue rules.

Mr Viswam also said Kerala Congress (Secular) leader and legislator P C George, who won the elections with LDF support, had no authority to speak as the spokesman of the LDF.

Mr George had no authority to make such statements as if he were the spokesman of the Front, he added.

It should be noted that Mr George had strongly come up with allegations of the land deal.

UNI